Parenting Tips for Your 47-48 Month Old Child
Friends are important to a growing child. Parents provide nutritious foods, plenty of rest and exercise to help their children develop physically. Practice at being a friend is just as important for social and emotional growth.
- Expect some difficulties. Children do not share until they are somewhere between 4 to 6 years old. Some do not share until much later if they have not had practice at it. Parents can expect some arguments, perhaps threats, bribes and other unpleasant ways of dealing with people. Try not to get involved unless your child asks you to or if someone is going to get hurt. Adults who get involved in preschoolers’ problems frequently make things worse. Help children talk about what they want and need. Teach ways to wait, and above all, ways to negotiate.
- Adjust to other children’s activity level. Children can range from calm to very active. Be ready for differences and provide standard equipment that gives everyone a feeling of success. Sand, water, big balls, a lot of open space, dress-up clothes, play dough, crayon and paper are usually favorites at this age.
- Have your child play with other children. It takes time for your child to get used to the idea of letting other children use his toys.
- Monitor the amount of time together. Parents need to decide the length of time children will be playing together. If children are having difficulty, separate them and try again another day.
- Set up play environments. The space and toys available will determine the kind of play to expect. War toys lend themselves to running, shooting, and loud sounds and words. A puzzle is quieter and more cooperative. Large, open spaces invite fast movement, while small, full spaces suggest children go slowly.
Learn more about Your Child: 47-48 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
